Germany, France to improve economic coordination

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Last Updated: Tue, Jan 22, 2013 13:15 hrs

Chancellor Angela Merkel says Germany and France plan to work together on proposals on how to improve economic coordination in the European Union this spring as the continent struggles to overcome its debt crisis and generate growth.

Merkel said after meeting French President Francois Hollande Tuesday the two countries are "aware of our great responsibility" to end the crisis and make growth possible. She says they're both convinced competitiveness is hugely significant.

She says the two countries plan to come up with proposals by May.

Germany and France are marking 50 years of an accord that enshrined the two former adversaries' post-World War II reconciliation with a joint Cabinet meeting and a joint session of the countries' parliaments.